Where to go for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway

A romantic getaway doesn’t always have to be in Dubai or Seychelles or some such exotic location. Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day right here in Kenya.

If you have children, get a relative to look after them and head out to a quiet, romantic destination for unique cuisine, luxurious spa treatments and candle-lit dinner.

Some of these destinations are little-known and that is why we have included them here. Unlike the Christmas and New year seasons, Valentine’s should be a holiday for two — a time to reconnect away from everybody so the more remote, the better.

Among the places we would recommend are:

Ol Lentille Lodge in Northern Laikipia

This is a magnificent lodge, and one of the most exclusive and luxurious getaways in Africa. The resort is known for its privacy and remoteness, and is great for lovebirds. Ol Lentille Lodge’s glamorous beauty captures the lush appeal of Kenya.

You can enjoy the amazing views of Mt Kenya as you wine and dine at your own convenience. Pamper yourself and your loved one at the luxurious spa on Valentine’s Day and enjoy an exclusive romantic dinner and night.

Cottar’s Camp

This all-inclusive eight deluxe and private tent camp is located close to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. You can pamper yourself at the spa, enjoy a safari shower or bath, or swim the day away with your loved one at the amazing pool. At Cottar’s camp, you will discover the true meaning of wining and dining in a romantic way.

Camp Carnelley’s Naivasha

One night for four, for Sh13,800

Set on Lake Naivasha, the campsite is targeting couples this Valentine’s. Guests will be welcomed with a five-litre bottle of Vino Rosso Italian wine meant to kick off the romantic holiday mood.

The tents have a private washroom, bathroom and verandah. While the price is inclusive of breakfast the following morning, guests will have to buy their own lunch and dinner available at the camp restaurant and sample drinks at the famous “Lazy Bones” bar.

Exotic Amber Villas, Diani

Three-day, two-night getaway for four to the Exotic Amber Villas in Diani for Sh31,100

The villa is located on the shores of Diani beach at the south Coast. This offer is for two couples who check in at the two-bedroom villas (each ensuite) on Friday and depart on Sunday.

Guests will have to take care of their meals by either eating out or cooking for themselves. There is also the option of hiring the services of a cook who is readily available.

The villa offers services such as daily housekeeping, and change of fine bed linen, bath and hand towels and bath robes.

Serena Mountain Lodge, Mt Kenya National Park

One night Valentine’s getaway for Sh24,999 per couple

How about savouring the amazing views of Mt Kenya and watching big game such as elephant and buffaloes at a watering hole and salt lick?

Couples will enjoy fresh mountain air, sweeping views across the tree canopy and sparkling streams where one can go trout fishing or on gentle forest walks.

The itinerary involves being picked from Nairobi at 7.30 am to arrive at Mt Kenya by midday, have lunch and then set off for an evening game drive. A buffet dinner will be served as well as breakfast the next day, after an early morning game drive at 6.30 am.

Sentrim Lodge, Elementaita

One night Valentine’s escapade for Sh24,900 per couple

Located on the shores of Lake Elementaita, along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, each couple to this facility will be given a bottle of wine on arrival.

This destination is ideal for those coming from Nairobi or Nakuru as it’s barely an hour’s drive from either town. The package includes meals on full board basis and accommodation. Those who do not want to drive can travel using a tour van which will pick couples from Nairobi and bring them back on Sunday.

Activities include watching flamingos, swimming and strolling along the lake shores.

Samburu Simba Lodge

One night Valentine’s getaway for Sh21,500 per couple

This lodge overlooks the Buffalo Springs and Uaso Nyiro River, situated 300km north of Nairobi in Buffalo Springs Game reserve, within Isiolo District.

Guests will be picked from Nairobi early in the morning to arrive in Samburu in time for lunch. Then its either taking a swim or going on a nature walk.

There shall be a game drive in the evening after which dinner will be served. There will be another early game drive the following morning. Guests will be served lunch after which the journey back to Nairobi will start.

Sandies Tropical Village, Malindi

One night romantic getaway for Sh11,900 per couple

How about the tranquility of Malindi’s sandy beaches for your Valentine’s? Couples will be welcomed with a cocktail and checked into palm-thatched rooms with offers of full board meals and unlimited drinks during meals and at the bar from 10 am to midnight.

Guests will be free to take a dip at the swimming pool or in the ocean before soaking up the sun.

Forodhani House, Shella Beach in Lamu

One night for Sh5,000 per couple

The historic town of Lamu offers Valentine lovers a beautiful beachfront holiday house dubbed Forodhani. Activities to be enjoyed include swimming, massages, yoga, sailing, snorkeling, wind surfing, and water skiing.

For those who want to go further afield:

Five days in Dubai for Sh59,999 per person

Imagine yourself in the city of Dubai to celebrate Valentine’s with your loved one! Take time off to sample what Dubai has to offer, from magnificent architectural buildings and fabulous shopping malls to beautiful beaches.

The package includes tours to the world’s tallest building — The Burj Khalifa — as well as Burj Al Arab, a hotel built on an artificial island, desert safari, dinner on a dhow cruise and visit to Jumeirah beach.

This offer includes return economy class air tickets, breakfast, accommodation, dhow diner cruise, and desert safari barbecue dinner.

Five days Seychelles for Sh99,000 per person

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands, is another ideal destination for Valentine’s for those who want to get away from it all.

The programme in this island dotted with coconut groves and pristine beaches includes a visit to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and boat rides to explore the underwater world of tropical coral reefs at the Marine National Parks.

There is also a thrilling helicopter ride around the island. This package includes a return economy class air tickets, accommodation and meals on half-board.

Five days Zanzibar for Sh65,000 per person

Known as the Spice Island, Zanzibar is perhaps the flavour needed by couples who want to enjoy Valentine’s Day and spice up their lives.

Guests will enjoy sailing, snorkelling and swimming with dolphins in the Indian Ocean, with seafood and barbecue served on the beach, and drinks on dhow rides.

This package includes a return economy class air tickets, accommodation and meals on half-board, inclusive of drinks.

For those who may still be dithering with only a week to go, this is the time to book your tickets and head out for the most memorable weekend of the year.